[Hormonal and functional changes and the quality of life in the late phase after gastric surgery for cancer].

The effects of gastrectomies and those reconstructions for gastric cancer on gut hormone release, GI tract transit time, RISA absorption test and triolein digestion and absorption test were investigated clinically. The patient's quality of life was evaluated by the reconstructive methods. In the cardiectomy type, gut hormone response was markedly increased. The transit time was significantly shortened. In the Billroth I and the interposition types, gut hormone response was slightly decreased. The transit time was normal. In the Billroth II and the Roux-en-Y types, gut hormone response was decreased. The transit time was prolonged. Serum glucose was markedly increased in the Roux-en-Y type. Absorption in protein was depressed in Billroth II and that in fat in Roux-en-Y. Quality of life was best in Billroth I, Billroth II, interposition, Roux-en-Y and cardiectomy in descending order. Postoperative changes of gut hormones and metabolism and the quality of life are influenced by the type of reconstructive procedure. For this reason, for the surgical treatment of cancer of the stomach, it would seem that partial, not total, gastrectomy is more appropriate if meeting the conditions of radical cancer treatment. Moreover, it seems to be indicated that a reconstructive procedure which allows food to pass through the duodenum is the procedure to choose.